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Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcus

Acute pharyngitis is one of the most frequent illnesses for which primary care physicians
are consulted. Although Group A Strep is the most common bacterial cause of acute
pharyngitis, not all patients with this condition are infected by Group A Strep.
While other forms of pharyngitis display the same symptoms, Group A Strep pharyngitis
is the only commonly occurring form of acute pharyngitis for which antibiotic
therapy is definitely indicated. Therefore, unless the physician is able to exclude
Group A Strep on epidemiological and clinical grounds, a laboratory test should
be performed for the bacteria.